Mechanisms for transforming sofas: what are the types, which mechanism is better. Mechanisms for transforming sofas, what are the pros and cons Types of folding sofas and their name

Modern technologies help to modernize furniture paraphernalia. Thanks to them, simple sofas turn into a full-fledged bed, which can accommodate from 4 to 8 people. In addition, high-quality filler makes it absolutely safe for human health.

To date, there are several types of sofa mechanisms. Each of them has characteristic differences. Here, both positive and negative sides of such a design are distinguished.

Thanks to them, the transformation allows you to save enough free space. In our material, you will learn which mechanism is better and what needs to be considered in the selection process.

Varieties of folding mechanisms

In specialized departments, a huge selection of folding mechanisms for sofas is presented. The most popular are:

• book;
• tango;
• euro book;
• pantograph;
• puma;
• elf;
• accordion;
• withdrawable;
• French foldout.

Book

Sofa book is considered a classic version of a furniture accessory. To transform it into a bed, just lower the backrest. In the process of unfolding, it resembles the construction of a book.

This mechanism has some advantages. These include:

• quality parts;
• durable construction;
• durability;
• spacious storage system.

The disadvantages of this building include:

• constant movement of the sofa for transformation;
• rapid deformation of the sleeping area. The filler begins to deteriorate over time at the fold;
• narrow bed. Only one person can fit here.

Tango

Sofa tango, is a modernized model of the "book". Modern designers have nicknamed this "click-clack" folding mechanism. His side and back parts are amenable to transformation. As a result of this, we get a full-fledged sleeping area where guests can accommodate.

The advantages of such a structure are:

• three positions of the backrest. Here you can adjust the angle of inclination, thereby selecting the desired position in the process of sitting.;
• This sofa mechanism is suitable for daily sleep. Durable fittings as part of the structure ensure the safe assembly of all parts during operation;
• a large box that acts as a storage area.

In addition to the advantages, there are some disadvantages:

• it is not possible to install the sofa close to the wall surface;
• requires effort to transform.

Eurobook

Sofa "euro book". It unfolds by rolling out the seat, which has an additional roller system. The back part is placed in the resulting plane.

Recently, this type of furniture paraphernalia has gained general popularity.

The positive qualities of this building include:

• comfortable bed;
• spacious bedding storage system;
• durable fittings as part of the mechanism.

The negative qualities of such a design include:

• deep seat. Without special extra pillows, it is impossible to relax here. The back is at a right angle;
• the constant movement of the front will cause scratches on the floor surface.

Pantograph

The pantograph bears some resemblance to the modern "euro book". Transformation is done in a similar way. There are structures that provide movement forward and upward.

The positive qualities of this model are:

• uniform seating area. In the process of unfolding, the joints are practically not felt;
• easy transformation;
• There is a place to store various small items.

In addition, experienced professionals identify the following disadvantages:

• uncomfortable seat. It also has a deep seat. The body is under constant tension. Additional pillows provide a comfortable existence;
• the complexity of the folding mechanism. As a result, its cost and maintenance increase.

puma

Sofa "Puma" is a simple and comfortable furniture accessory. It unfolds neatly with one touch. In order to turn it into a sleeping area, just pull the seat. It fits into the place of the formed void.

The tick-tock sofa mechanism has a similar design to the puma. It also easily transforms into a comfortable resting place with just two simple hand movements. This model is ideal for small living spaces.

It can be pushed tightly to the plane of the wall, thereby saving precious cm. As a rule, soft textured fabrics are chosen for such a sofa. They help to add a piece of comfort to the environment. The photo of the mechanisms of the sofas shows the components that are part of the folding structure.

Photo of sofa mechanisms

The sofa has become an integral and absolutely necessary part of our home life. But, if it will be used as a sleeping place, its choice becomes an even more serious task. Choosing the right sofa bed for any of the rooms of an apartment or house is very important. After all, you have to deal with him every evening and morning.

In this article we will talk about choosing a sofa folding mechanism and which layout mechanism to prefer. We will tell and show how sofas are laid out.

How to evaluate the mechanism for turning a sofa into a bed

There are four criteria for this:

1. how the bed is located relative to the back - perpendicular or parallel;
2. whether the mechanism is so reliable that it can withstand daily use, or is it only suitable as a guest sofa;
3. how convenient is it to lay out the sofa;
4. is it possible to quickly fix the mechanism if it breaks.

It should be noted that with the location of the bed parallel to the backrest, it will always be narrower than that of a sofa that unfolds forward (perpendicularly). Indeed, with an increase in the width of his bed, the depth of the seat and the height of the back of the sofa increase accordingly, and it becomes uncomfortable to sit on a folded sofa. While the width of the perpendicular berth is equal to the width of the sofa.

Eurobook

Eurobook is one of the most popular sofa folding mechanisms.

When unfolded, the bed is located parallel to the back.
To expand the sofa, the eurobook seat stretches forward.
The back rests flat and rests on the seat.

Characteristics:

• the bed is stable and comfortable;
• the eurobook sofa usually has a box for linen;
• The Eurobook sofa mechanism is reliable, can withstand loads up to 240 kg. But, if it still breaks, then it is not repaired;
• it folds out easily and quickly, but this requires the sofa to stand a short distance from the wall or it will have to be moved back and forward again daily (will this cover your floor?).

Accordion

Accordion sofas are valued for their high compactness, reliability and comfortable sleeping place.

To unfold the accordion sofa, its seat must be pulled out by a special strap, and the back folded in half unfolds like an accordion.
To fold the accordion sofa, the front part must be raised until the mechanism is activated, and then lowered by pressing on the edge to fold the back, and slide in.

Characteristics:

• high and wide berth with a box for linen;
• the sofa mechanism "accordion" is easy to use and reliable;
• sofa "accordion" is inconvenient for laying out on carpets with a long pile;
• breakdowns are easily eliminated, but the mechanism requires periodic lubrication;
• at loads over 180 kg daily transformation is not recommended.

Dolphin

A popular and widely used sofa folding mechanism, especially in corner models.

The deployment is parallel.
The lower section of the "dolphin" sofa is pulled out and put forward for a special loop.
The section rises up and becomes part of the bed.

Characteristics:

• sleep comfortably;
• corner models are equipped with linen drawers;
• daily transformation is possible, but on carpets with long pile it is difficult;
• the mechanism of the sofa "dolphin" is reliable, easy to manage, quickly changes in case of breakage;
• withstands a load of up to two hundred kilograms, but the stationary and retractable parts after some time can sag to varying degrees.

click-clack

Click-clack sofas are the most comfortable for relaxing due to the presence of a relax position of the back or armrests.

The deployment is parallel.
When unfolding, the sofa is tilted onto the back and moved forward. The seat is lowered horizontally.
The back of the "click-clack" sofa can be fixed in the third position (except for lying and sitting) - half-sitting.
There are also single models of click-clack sofas, in which only the sides fall.

Characteristics:

• a narrow place to sleep without a back;
• in the unfolded state, most often there is no support for the pillow and head, since the sidewalls in most models are also lowered;
• there is a linen box;
• to expand the sofa, you need to move it away from the wall;
• click-clack sofas are inexpensive;
• the click-clack mechanism is reliable for daily transformation, it is easy to replace if necessary;
• if there are no retractable legs and the sofa is laid out, then it is not recommended to sit on the edge.

Cot

Sofas with a folding mechanism - a choice for a living room with a bed "just in case".

The spread is perpendicular.
There are several types of such mechanisms with slight differences. The most common French and American models.
The clamshell sections unfold sequentially. Each of them is mounted on metal legs.
The strongest are American folding beds. But in any case, they are not suitable for daily transformation. This is a guest sofa.

Characteristics:

• compact when folded;
• have a box for linen;
• the sleeping surface is not very flat;
• daily transformation is contraindicated, frequent use leads to loosening and sagging;
• the folding mechanism of the sofa is simple and easy to repair.

Manufacturers of upholstered furniture use a variety of layout mechanisms for sofas. There are no universal options. Depending on the method of operation, the size of the room and some other conditions, one or the other is selected.

In order not to make a mistake, you need to listen to the advice of experts. They will help you understand what factors you need to pay attention to in the first place. All groups of mechanisms are classified according to certain criteria. This makes it much easier to figure out which model is best suited.

studying, which mechanism for transforming sofas is better a number of recommendations should be taken into account. There is a generally accepted rule. All sofas are conditionally divided into guest types and designed for daily sleep. If the mechanism is chosen correctly, the furniture will last a long time. Its operation will be comfortable.

If the sofa will be laid out often (sleeping variety), you should not purchase products with a complex layout procedure. In this case, it would be useful to remember the golden rule: the simpler the better. Guest sofas, on the contrary, are not designed for the daily movements of the system. Therefore, their mechanism will not be as strong as that of sleeping varieties.

Attention should also be paid to such criteria as the maximum load of the bed, the orthopedic qualities of the model, its appearance, the layout procedure, the comfort of the bed, and also the convenience in the sitting position. So sofa transformation mechanism is an important factor influencing the choice.

Guest models

Guest type sofas have a design that does not take up much space. The appearance of such furniture is very unusual, interesting. Such mechanisms include "French folding bed", "Sedaflex", "Dionysus", etc. The main purpose of such furniture is to surprise guests, ensuring their maximum comfort during their stay in the hosts' house.

Comfort in a sitting position is important, but you won’t be able to kill two birds with one stone, you will have to sacrifice comfort when laying out. Mechanisms for transforming corner sofas require a significant investment of time and effort in order to transform furniture into a place to sleep. First you need to remove the seat cushions. After that, the mechanism is activated.

If you believe the reviews, rest in such a bed leaves much to be desired. These types of sofas are usually cheap. You can sleep on them, but not all the time.

Sleeping sofa

The second group includes furniture designed for daily sleep. When laying out, you do not need to spend a lot of time. Sleep will be comfortable. Devices of this type include the "book" and its main variations. The most famous of them are "click-clack" and "Eurobook".

This type includes angular varieties. The most popular in this group is recognized the transformation mechanism of the sofa "dolphin", well, or"puma". Also bright representatives of furniture for daily sleep are sofas "telescope" and "ribalto".

Such mechanisms are very easy to operate. Their transformation is quick and easy. The sleeping place has sufficient rigidity. It is flat and comfortable. Such mechanisms are designed for a large number of transformation cycles.

"Book" or "click-clack"

One of the simplest is sofa book. Transformation mechanism involves raising the seat. At this point, a click occurs. The sofa comes back down already unfolded.

Click-clack models are a slightly improved version of the book. Such devices have an intermediate position. At the same time, a person can be in a “relaxation” position. The back does not go all the way down. Therefore, a person is located on the sofa half-sitting.

The advantage of the presented models is reliability and durability even with daily transformation. This option is ideal for apartments with a small area. Floor covering can be anything.

The disadvantage is the limitation in design, simple appearance. The back and seat of such models must be identical in length. A variety of "click-clack" should not be placed close to the wall.

"Eurobook"

One of the most common models today is the Eurobook. The sofa transformation mechanism is considered one of the most reliable. When folding, the seat is pushed forward. Under it opens a space for storing bed linen. The back rests on the vacated space.

The advantage of such a system is the minimum number of mechanical elements. Therefore, there is practically nothing to break in such furniture. According to consumers, these are durable reliable products. The sleeping area is very spacious. In addition, there is a rather large box below. It is convenient to store bed linen and bedding here. The sofa can be installed near the wall.

As for the disadvantages of such products, people note that the seat slides on the floor. Therefore, special attention is paid to the coating. In general, the "Eurobook" is a solid reliable mechanism that will serve its owners for many years.

"Pantograph"

One of the analogues of the "Eurobook" today is the "pantograph". The sofa transformation mechanism is also quite simple. It is necessary to raise the seat at an inclination of about 45º. Then it is lowered and pulled down and towards itself. The back goes down. This is how the bed is made.

Below is a laundry compartment. Some models of the presented variety can be transformed from a direct to a corner version of upholstered furniture. And it doesn't matter if you want to turn it right or left.

The advantage of this mechanism, judging by the reviews, is that the seat does not roll out on the floor surface. It simply slides out without touching the flooring of the room. The improved design causes an increase in the cost of such sofas.

"Cot"

The "clamshell" type has several popular design options. The principle of transformation here is simple. The bed is located directly under the seat. For the front panel, which is located below, the seat moves forward. There is a French and an American folding bed. Their principle is very similar.

The French one is pulled out in the form of a scroll, which unfolds in 3 stages. This mechanism is compact in size, so it is built into even very sophisticated sofas. However, this model is not used on a daily basis.

The American clamshell is designed for heavy loads. This sofa is practical and durable. However, this feature significantly raises the price of this furniture. To transform the sofa, you need to lift it a little, and then pull it towards you. This type of mechanism does not harm the flooring, but it needs to be lubricated periodically to avoid squeaks.

Withdrawable mechanism

One of the best options for sleep is considered roll-out sofa. Transformation mechanism here is very simple. The berth is obtained by rolling out additional sections from under the base. Due to its simplicity, the presented mechanism is called one of the most reliable.

Another advantage of such products is the absence of requirements for the size of the room. It is installed even in small rooms. Moreover, in the unfolded state, the place to sleep will be long and even.

The disadvantage of such mechanisms is the exactingness of the type of flooring. It should be strong, not sag under the weight of the sofa. In the process of transformation, the base slides on the floor. Nothing should interfere with this movement. It is better if the selected model of the presented type has rubber wheels.

I suggest you get acquainted with the most common mechanisms for transforming a sofa into a bed. You will learn the pros and cons of each and will be able to choose the type of sofa bed that suits you.

• Book

  The type of sofa layout familiar to everyone since Soviet times. Outwardly, the sofa resembles an open book.

  Pros: With proper execution, it forms a fairly comfortable sleeping place. Large laundry box. It is possible to use high-quality spring filling. Suitable for daily use.
  Minuses: Restrictions in design - the seats and back are a sleeping place, which means they must be even and close to a rectangular shape. The bed is narrow. If the model increases the width of the bed, then when unfolding it is necessary to move the sofa away from the wall, which is already inconvenient. A large number of mechanisms from different manufacturers. When the "book" mechanism fails, it is not always possible to find a suitable replacement.

• click-clack

  Modernized version of the book. In addition to the "lying" and "sitting" positions, it has a third intermediate "reclining" variant. Do not confuse with "Tick-tock" - this is a completely different mechanism.

  Pros: There is a laundry box. Suitable for daily use. Only two types of mechanisms (locks) - it is very easy to pick up and replace if it fails. It is also easy to replace the wooden battens of the sofa base.
  Minuses: The same as the "book" - the need to move the sofa away from the wall when unfolding, design restrictions. It is carried out on a metal frame with wooden battens (lamellas), which break when the point load is exceeded. However, broken lamellas in such sofas can simply be replaced with new armor.

• Eurobook

  Perhaps the best option if you need a sofa bed for daily use. It has all the advantages of the "book", but is deprived of its disadvantages.

  Pros: A fairly reliable mechanism, due to its simplicity, or rather the absence (usual loops are used). Wide bed. It is possible to use high-quality spring filling. With proper execution, there is no need to move away from the wall. Large linen box. The best option for daily sleep.
  Minuses: When folded, additional back cushions must be used.

• Tick-tock (aka Pantograph)

  Variety of "Eurobook". It differs in that the seat does not roll out on wheels, but steps forward with the help of a mechanism with springs.

  Pros: This is the same eurobook, only there are no wheels rolling on the floor.
  Minuses: Unlike the usual eurobook, a walking mechanism is installed, which makes the product more expensive.

• Accordion

  There are mono modifications of this type of mechanism. From those based on ordinary hinges and wooden frames using a "book" lock mechanism to factory-made all-metal frames with birch battens.

  Pros: Any bed width. Suitable for daily use.
  Minuses: Design restrictions. It's more of a youth style.

• Dolphin (aka Microlift)

  Easy to use mechanism. Most often used in corner sofas.

  Pros: It just unfolds. Reliable enough. Suitable for daily use when used correctly.
  Minuses: There is no drawer for linen (in corner sofas this is usually compensated by the presence of a side drawer). Often, manufacturers put much thinner filler (foam rubber) on the roll-out part than on the other parts - it is inconvenient to sleep on such a design.

• Vykatny (aka Telescope)

  10 years ago it was a very common system. Has several modifications.

  Pros: Ease of unfolding. As a rule, there is a small box for linen.
  Minuses: Hardware often fails. In the vast majority of models, there are strong differences in the thickness of the pillows across the bed, as a result - reduced comfort. The bed is low. This is rather a guest option, and not for daily sleep.